South Australia could soon be powered by a huge Tesla battery

By Alex Schiffer

Updated 2:08 pm, Friday, July 7, 2017

On FridayTesla Inc boss Elon Musk offered to save Australia's most renewable-energy dependent state from blackouts. His plan is to install $25 million worth of battery storage within 100 days, and then offer it for free if he misses the target.
The offer follows a string of power outages in the state of South Australia. One blackout left industry crippled for up to two weeks. Due to tight supplies, the outage stoked fears of more across the national electricity market.

Media: WochIt Media

Elon Musk just made an expensive wager: He will build the world’s largest lithium battery in 100 days or he’ll pay for the whole project.

Tesla announced Friday that it won the bid to build the battery in the state of South Australia in an agreement that includes Neoen, a French renewable energy provider, and the South Australian government.

The idea started in March, when CEO Musk said Tesla could deliver an operational battery-powered system to the state and that he would begin the 100-day countdown once the official agreement is signed.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk talks about the development of the worlds biggest lithium-ion battery in Adelaide, Australia, Friday, July 7, 2017. Tesla will partner with French renewable energy company Neoen to build the 100-megawatt battery farm in South Australia state.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk talks about the development of the worlds biggest lithium-ion battery in Adelaide, Australia, Friday, July 7, 2017. Tesla will partner with French renewable energy company Neoen to build the

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill (left) and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk made the an nouncement in Adelaide, South Australia.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill (left) and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk made the an nouncement in Adelaide, South Australia.

Photo: STR, AFP/Getty Images

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A note can be seen in a shop front window on Rundle Mall on September 29, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. South Australia suffered a complete blackout following a storm. Tesla's battery could provide backup power in such a situation.

A note can be seen in a shop front window on Rundle Mall on September 29, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. South Australia suffered a complete blackout following a storm. Tesla's battery could provide backup power

Empty shelves can be seen in a Coles Supermarket on September 29, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. South Australia suffered a complete blackout following a storm. Tesla's battery could provide backup power in such a situation.

Empty shelves can be seen in a Coles Supermarket on September 29, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. South Australia suffered a complete blackout following a storm. Tesla's battery could provide backup power in such

Wind turbines are seen on a hill on April 18, 2013 in Waterloo, Australia.

Wind turbines are seen on a hill on April 18, 2013 in Waterloo, Australia.

Photo: Morne De Klerk/Getty Images

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South Australia could soon be powered by a huge Tesla battery

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In September, South Australia suffered significant infrastructure damage after a storm caused a statewide blackout and left 1.7 million citizens without electricity. Further blackouts occurred this year in the heat of the Australian summer.

Tesla’s battery will partner with Neoen’s Hornsdale wind farm, which is north of South Australia, putting Australia at the center of global energy storage technology, according to Business Insider.

Musk, who was in South Australia for the announcement, said that the 100-day rule will be included in the official contract because “that’s what we publicly said we were going to do.”

He added that the total cost of the project will be released at the country’s discretion.

Musk tweeted Friday that the project is breaking new ground for renewable energy and that the battery will be three times as powerful as its nearest competitor: “This will be the highest power battery system in the world by a factor of 3. Australia rocks!!”

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In a statement on its website, Tesla said the project should be completed by December and will be able to power more than 30,000 homes.

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At the announcement, Musk said that, depending upon the energy level that marks the end of its life, the battery could last up to 15 years. The electronics for the system can last 20 to 30 years, he said.

Tesla says the battery will be running constantly and will provide stability services for renewable energy and be available for emergency backup power if an energy shortfall is predicted.